Bennington. In forty-two hours from the time the Legislature met its work was done. It had appropriated $1,000,000 for war expenses, made provision for raising six more regiments than had been called for, and had voted to pay each private $7 a month in addition to the $13 offered by the United States, and had voted to make the soldiers' families the wards of the commonwealth,

should they come to want in the absence of their supporters.

The splendid service of Norwich University at this crucial period, as well as that of General Alonzo Jackman (one of the first graduates of the school and at this time occupying the chair of military science, mathematics, and civil engineering in that institution), deserves commendation.

At the breaking out of the Civil War, General Jack

man was brigadier-general of the State militia; and he was now offered the command of the first regiment of volunteers; but Governor Fairbanks in a letter to him said:

"There is a duty, a very patriotic duty for you to perform; that is, to remain at the Military College and qualify young men

for duty as officers;

and thus will you do your State the best service."

True to his soldierly instincts the general set aside personal ambition and remained at his post. During the entire struggle he was active in instructing officers, and, with the help of an efficient body of cadets, in organizing and drilling volunteers throughout the State for the commendable service

General Alonzo Jackman.

which they afterward rendered the Union cause.

About five hundred Norwich University men were commissioned officers in the army and navy, a larger number than was furnished by any college or institution in the United States, with the exception of West

Military Divisions and their Commanders.-To avoid any confusion which may arise in regard to the names of commands, let us consider for a moment those to be used in the following topics.

A company is commanded by a captain, and usually consists of about one hundred men. Two or more companies form a battalion. A regiment is made up of companies and commanded by a colonel, and usually consists of about a thousand men. A brigade consists of two or more regiments and is commanded by a brigadier-general. Two or more brigades form a division; and two or more divisions, a corps, both of which are commanded by generals.

Artillery drill at Norwich University.

Two or more corps form an army, commanded by a general or major-general. An adjutant-general assists the commander of a regiment. Infantry are foot soldiers; cavalry mounted soldiers. By a battery, we mean a company of artillery with their ordnance. Sharpshooters are, to be exact, skilled riflemen, and in a battle are usually placed in some important position.

The First Vermont Regiment.-The first Vermont Regiment was so rapidly formed that on May 2, or in less than a week from the close of the Legislature, they had assembled at Rutland with John W. Phelps, "old Ethan Allen

resurrected," a native Vermonter, as their colonel. The regiment was mustered into the United States service on May 8, for three months' service.

The Adjutant-General, thinking that a sufficient number of troops was already at the front for present need, thought it would be well to hold the Vermont regiment in its own State for a while; but when General Scott learned that a regiment of Green Mountain Boys under Phelps was awaiting marching orders, he wished them sent at once, declaring that Colonel Phelps was the man and his regiment the troops that he wanted for responsible duty. A force of Green Mountain Boys had been with him at Niagara during the War of 1812, and he remembered its efficient service; he had also known Phelps of old in his services in the Mexican War. On the 9th of May, the regiment set out for Fortress Monroe, bearing an ensign of white upon which was the State coat of arms. In the gray

cap of each soldier was the customary evergreen badge of his State. The First Vermont Regiment remained at Fortress Monroe during the term of its enlistment, taking part in the ill-fated engagement at Big Bethel.

Such goods as are used for the carrying on of war, if taken by the enemy, may by law be retained by them and are called "contraband of war." At the beginning of the Rebellion it was expected that, whenever slaves ran away from their homes to the Union armies, they would be returned to their masters. But General Butler, the shrewd officer, who was in command at Fortress Monroe, assumed that the runaways were contraband of war, being, as their own masters conceded, like any other property, and therefore it was not to be expected that he would give them up. This their masters could not well gainsay; for it was well

known that at that time great numbers of the slaves were laboring upon the fortifications around Richmond and elsewhere, thus directly aiding in the prosecution of hostilities.

From the first it was generally understood that slaves who found their way into the camp of the Vermonters were safe; and throngs of fugitive slaves, who sought refuge with Phelps, were not returned to their masters. The First Vermont Regiment returned to Vermont in August and

the soldiers were mustered out; but five out of every six reenlisted.

The First Vermont Brigade. Before the return of the First Vermont Regiment, the Second had gone to the front and taken part in the severe battle of Bull Run. By October the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth had also arrived at Washington and were ready for service. The five regiments constituted the First Brigade of Vermont troops, and was a part of the famous Army of the Potomac of